Chelsea Handler’s Netflix Talk Show To End After 2 Seasons; Comedian Sets Documentary

Chelsea Handler just announced on Facebook that she will not be returning for another season of Chelsea, her weekly Netflix talk show. Handler said she is planning to focus on activism, write a book and partner with Netflix on an original documentary that highlights her perspective on the current political climate.

Chelsea marked Netflix’s foray into the comedy talk show arena. New half-hour episodes were released three times a week in Season 1 before Handler switched to an hourlong weekly show format in the current second season. The show developed a following as Handler’s fans found her on the new platform, though it had a hard time breaking out in a very crowded comedy talk show space. Under Handler’s rich deal with Netflix, Handler also did the Chelsea Does documentary series, which was well received.

Here is the full text of her post:

“Like so many across the country, the past presidential election and the countless events that have unfolded since have galvanized me,” Handler wrote. “From the national level down to the grassroots, it’s clear our decisions at the ballot box next year will mark a defining moment for our nation.

“For these reasons, I’ve decided not to return for another season of Chelsea, and instead devote as much time as I can to becoming a more knowledgeable and engaged citizen and to focus on projects that have significance to me. My goal is to be better informed, raise my voice, and participate in a more meaningful way. I want to travel the country and visit areas and people I don’t know enough about, speak at colleges and listen to students, and gain a better understanding of our political divide. I have joined forces with EMILY’s List to elect more women to public office, register people to vote, and campaign for candidates who are fighting for women’s rights.

“I’m excited to share that I will continue my partnership with Netflix, working together on a documentary where I’ll engage with people I don’t talk with enough – people of different ethnicities, religions and political philosophies. Netflix could not be more understanding, and I’m grateful for their continued support. New episodes of Chelsea will continue to stream weekly until the end of this year.”

Additional details on her upcoming original Netflix documentary will be announced at a later date.